How to apply

Applications are now open for September 2022.

We accept applications until the application deadline but encourage candidates to contact potential supervisors as early as possible.

If you wish to be considered for the Cancer Research UK MB-PhD programme and meet our eligibility criteria, you must complete an online application.

Follow the information below, and ensure you submit all the required documents. References can be emailed separately if they are not available to submit immediately (see below).

Key dates

  • Application deadline: 26 April 2022
  • Interviews: week commencing 16 May 2022
  • Start date: September 2022

Application instructions

Step 1: Check you are eligible to apply

Check your eligibility before applying and contact Dr Georgina Binnie-Wright, MCRC-CRUK Manchester Centre Postgraduate Programme Manager with any questions.

Step 2: Register to apply

Go to the Postgraduate Application Form and ensure you read all the instructions carefully.

Application form

If you have not already registered for an account, do so first of all.

Step 3: Create a new application

Please make sure you read all instructions for completing the online application carefully. If you have any problems with the online form please contact us at admissions.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk.

Once logged in, choose to create a new application. Select the following: 'Postgraduate Research' as the ‘Level of Study’ on the application form. Under Academic Programme, search for MB-PhD and then select the MB-PhD Programme option. Work your way through the application form, including all details as requested.

For Section 6 – 'Research Details', you must state the name of the project supervisor and project title in the format below. You can indicate up to two projects here listing the lead supervisor and project title in order of preference.

  1. Name of Supervisor – Project Title
  2. Name of Supervisor – Project Title

For Section 9 – Funding Sources, you must select the details as follows:

  • Select 'Yes' from the drop-down.
  • Type of Funding: University of Manchester Scholarship.
  • Awarding Body: Cancer Research UK MB-PhD.
  • Status of Funding – Awarded.
  • Funding Covers – Fully Funded.
  • Leave the remaining boxes blank.

Step 4: Supporting documents

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents as listed below.

CV

This should include qualifications (subjects passed at GCSE, A-level or equivalent, including grade).

These will be considered in relation to widening participation and/or university access arrangements, to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly.

Include higher education qualifications already obtained or currently being taken, academic prizes, research projects and subjects of special interest (from current or previous studies), extracurricular interests, and activities and positions of responsibility relevant to your application.

Supporting statement

This should be 1,000 words maximum. It should include your reason for wishing to join the MB-PhD programme and a statement outlining your particular interest in the projects to which you are applying.

References

We require two references from people who have knowledge of your academic ability. These are usually academic references, from a lecturer or professor at your current or previous university.
 
You will need to provide details of your referees in section 10 of the online form. Your referees will be contacted directly after you submit your application and directed to complete our online reference form.

Email addresses

It is recommended that the email address you provide for your referees is related to the academic institution or organisation to which they belong, rather than a personal use email (for example, john.smith@yahoo.com).

If a personal email address is provided, it may cause delays to your application, as extra steps may be required to verify this.

How to submit supporting documents

All supporting documents can be uploaded and submitted with the online application form or, alternatively, can be sent directly to the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team at admissions.doctoralacademy@manchester.ac.uk. Your application cannot be considered until all your supporting documents are supplied.

Step 5: Acknowledgement

Once you have submitted your application form, you will receive an acknowledgement that your application has been received.

Your application will be reviewed following the receipt of all your supporting documents and circulated to your preferred supervisor(s).

Step 6: Interview

You will be kept informed of the progress of your application throughout the application procedure. We will contact you directly if we wish to invite you to interview.